Causes of the Reformation

1. Social

1.1. Renaissance values of humanism & secular challenged Church authority

1.2. Printing press helped spread ideas critical of Church

2. Religious

2.1. Church leaders became worldly & corrupt

2.2. People found Church practices (ex. sale of indulgences) unacceptable

3. Political

3.1. Powerful monarchs challenge Church as supreme power in Europe

3.2. Leaders view pope as foreign ruler & challenge authority

4. Economic

4.1. European princes & kings were jealous of Church's wealth

4.2. Merchants and others resented paying Church taxes